The driving instructor training process

The final step towards becoming an approved driving instructor (ADI) is ADI part 3 – the test of instructional ability.

This is the last of the three Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) tests required to qualify:

• ADI part 1: This is the test of driving theory and hazard perception. You’ll need an expert knowledge of driving techniques, road safety, The Highway Code and the theory of how to teach a pupil.
• ADI part 2: This is the first practical test, assessing your driving skill. In addition to being a great driver, you’ll also need good car maintenance knowledge for the ‘show me, tell me’ section.
• ADI part 3: This is the second practical test, assessing your driving instruction. You’ll be observed by an examiner giving a lesson to a pupil.

It’s also the most intensive of the three tests. You’ll need to conclusively demonstrate your ability to instruct a pupil during a real-life driving lesson.

Here we’ll look at ADI part 3, the instructional ability test – including:

• Test requirements, including for your car
• The pupil you should bring
• What’s expected of you
• How the ADI part 3 test is scored

Are you test ready?

Can you answer yes to all of the following questions?

• Are you knowledgeable and competent in teaching all subjects (basic skills, new places and responsible drivers) when giving driving lessons to your pupils?
• Having studied the following:
• DVSA national standard for driver and rider training
• DVSA car and light van (category B) driving syllabus
• DVSA guidance for driving examiners carrying out instructor tests (ADI1)

...can you fully understand the 3 areas and 7 competencies of the ADI part 3 test?

• Have you studied all the materials, attended all the online classrooms and reflected on your performance while delivering driving lessons to your pupils?
• Have you selected an appropriate pupil (and backup pupil) for the ADI part 3 test, and briefed them on what to expect on the day?
• Have you both set and agreed appropriate goals for the lesson, with regards to their prior training, and planned the lesson accordingly?
• Have you completed previous training/driving lessons with your pupils in the location where you're taking the ADI part 3 test?
• Have you planned some contingency lessons/topics, to allow for unforeseen changes on the day of the test?
• Have you practised delivering the lesson topics so that they fit with the timing of the part 3 test?

If you can answer yes to all eight questions, then you should be ADI part 3 test ready.

Booking the ADI part 3 test

In England, Scotland and Wales, you can book ADI part 3 test on GOV.UK, which costs £111. There’s a different process if you book your ADI instructional ability test in Northern Ireland.

How many in-car hours are required for the ADI Part 3 test?

While there’s no set number of in-car hours required for the ADI Part 3 test, you will need to hit a target in order to apply for your trainee (PDI) licence.

To do this, you need to complete 40 hours of ADI part 3 training while supervised by an ADI. This should be undertaken in the six-month period prior to the trainee licence application date.

You can then give lessons to real pupils for up to 6 months as a potential driving instructor. It’s worth noting that you don’t have to do this in order to take your ADI part 3 test… But it gives valuable real-world teaching experience, which is likely to stand you in good stead for your final test. Plus the lessons you’ll give will be paid, meaning you’ll be making an income while you’re training – which is a big bonus for most trainees.

Car requirements

There are numerous requirements that the car you use must meet. You can read a full list of criteria required of the car here, including specific vehicles you shouldn’t use. Some of the main rules are as follows:

• It should be taxed and roadworthy, with a valid MOT.
• You need to arrange the appropriate car insurance.
• The car must be a hatchback, saloon or estate car.
• It needs full-size back seats with working seatbelts.
• It needs a readily adjustable driver’s seat, with a head restraint.
• The car must display L-plates, or optional D-plates if you’re taking the test in Wales.

The car can be either manual or automatic. But bear in mind that if you pass in a car with an automatic transmission, you won’t be qualified to teach in a manual vehicle.

If your car doesn’t meet these criteria, or you don’t have adequate insurance in place, the test won’t continue and you’ll forfeit your fee.

Your pupil

You have to provide the pupil on the day. They can either be a learner or a full licence holder but cannot be a qualified ADI.

When it comes to finding a pupil for the day, it’s not a bad idea to use someone you’ve taught as a trainee, assuming you opted to be a PDI. It’s also worth noting that, if you train with The AA, we have a pupil introduction service you’re likely to have used by this point.

What you'll be marked on

Throughout the test, you’ll be marked on 17 areas of competence. These are grouped into three categories:

• Lesson planning
• Risk management
• Teaching and learning strategies

Test of instructional ability

In the ADI part 3 test, you’ll be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and ability through practical driving instruction.

During the test, you’ll sit in the front passenger seat, and your pupil will drive. Your examiner will sit in the back. You can also bring your trainer or mentor, but they cannot participate in the lesson itself.

You’ll give the examiner an overview of the lesson plan, and then introduce them to the pupil. You should explain the purpose of the lesson to the pupil, and reassure them that it’s you who's being examined, not them. It’s good practice to ask the pupil if there’s anything specific they’d like to cover during the lesson.

From then on, conduct a lesson as you normally would. Bear in mind that risk management is a key part of what you’re being marked on. It’s of paramount importance that the lesson is conducted safely. Any directions you give should be clear and made in good time. You should at all stages be aware of your surroundings, and the actions of other road users.

At the end of the lesson, you’ll debrief the pupil for around five minutes. Then the examiner will give you your result, and any feedback from the test.

How do I pass the ADI part 3 driving test?

Here are a few pointers for the ADI part 3 driving test that you’ll hopefully find useful:

• Practise, practise, practise. Getting a great deal of practice really is the best way to prepare yourself for the test of instructional ability, and for driving instruction in general. This is one of the main advantages of opting to work with a PDI licence – you’ll get a ton of experience under your belt.
• Check the marking sheet. Familiarising yourself with the ADI part 3 marking sheet is a good way to know exactly what you’ll be marked on. You can then create your lesson plan accordingly.
• Learn the location. It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the roads and area around the test centre. This means you’ll be able to give your pupil accurate directions, and limit any surprises.
• Clean your car. First impressions are important, and examiners are likely to respond well if your car is clean and looks professional.
• Be friendly, and stay in control. It’s important to help your pupil feel at ease, but the way you conduct your lesson should also be tight and to the point.

ADI part 3 test scoring

The examiner scores you from 0 to 3 on each of the competencies listed above. You’ll be scored out of a possible 51.




Your score will be graded as follows:

Total Score	Grade	Description
0-30	Fail	Your performance isn’t up to standard, and you won’t join the ADI register.
31-42	Grade B	You get to join the ADI register.
43-51	Grade A	You’ve shown a high standard of instruction, and you get to join the ADI register.




Scoring less than 7 in the risk management category will cause you to fail. And, as with any driving test, you’ll fail instantly if the examiner must stop the lesson on account of you putting yourself or anyone else in danger.

To see exactly how examiners score the test, take a look at an example of the ADI part 3 report form at GOV.UK.

What happens if I fail the ADI Part 3?

If you fail, it isn’t the end of the world, as you get two more attempts. It’s well worth taking the feedback your examiner gives you on board. This will stand you in better stead for the next attempt. Any resits must be booked within two years of passing the ADI part 1 test.

If you were a trainee driving instructor and chose the extra training option on your licence application, you’ll need to do five hours of additional training before retaking the test.

You'll want to pass on your third (or hopefully second) attempt though. Failing a third time sets you back to square one, and you’ll have to pass all three tests again to qualify. In addition, you'll have to wait two years from when you originally passed the ADI part 1 before you can retake it.

If you’ve failed, but haven’t been training with The AA… Please note that it’s not too late to take advantage of our expertise at this stage. If you’re thinking of switching, or you need extra professional help with your learning, please get in touch. With our dedicated learning management system Thrive and extra 1-2-1 support from our personal account managers, you’ll get the boost you need to pass!

When you pass your ADI Part 3 test

If you pass, congratulate yourself – you’ve qualified to become a driving instructor! You can then apply for your first ADI green badge.

You should do this within 12 months of passing the ADI part 3 test. Not doing so means you’ll have to pass all three tests again.

If you train with The AA, you’ll have the opportunity to download as many of the training materials as you like. You’re likely to find these useful reference materials in future.

There will also be opportunities during your career to come back and learn with the team. For example, you have an ADI standards check every four years, which assesses whether you’re still on top of your game. Preparing for this might be a good time to take a short course and brush up.

Another course that could be worth taking is Motability training, which equips you with the skills to teach learners with a disability.

Now is also a good time to consider whether you wish to join a franchise, or go it alone.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is the ADI part 3 difficult?

The ADI part 3 test is the most intensive of the three ADI tests, and roughly two-thirds of those taking it will fail. Teaching pupils to a DVSA standard is incredibly challenging. This is why it’s vital to be as prepared as possible, and get as much experience under your belt as you can.

What is the pass rate for ADI part 3?

The pass rate for the ADI part 3 test of instructional ability in the quarter from April to June 2023 was 34.8%. While roughly a third of successful tests isn’t a huge amount, you do get another two attempts.

And if you fail the first time, one of the big advantages you’ll have on the second attempt is the constructive feedback from your first test. This is why it’s super-important to take this on board.

How long does the ADI part 3 test take?

The ADI part 3 test lasts for roughly one hour, in which you’ll give a full driving lesson. It’s also advised that you get to the test centre with a good 10 minutes at least to spare, giving you time for unhurried introductions.

Bear in mind that if you miss your slot, you’ll most likely have to rebook, while forfeiting your fee.

Back to ADI Part 2 Start at ADI Part 1